Nanny refuses to leave California couple's home

LOS ANGELES - A Southern California couple is taking legal action to evict their live-in nanny who they say refused to work or leave.

Marcella Bracamonte, 31, and her husband hired Diane Stretton, 64, off of Craigslist in March as a live-in nanny to care for their three children, Bracamonte said.

The first few weeks of Stretton's tenure went smoothly, allowing Bracamonte to pursue work outside her family's home in Upland, California, about 40 miles east of Los Angeles.

But Stretton became a burden: She left her bedroom only for meals and later claimed she was suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Bracamonte said.

"She complained about me leaving her with the kids too long. I tried to be patient with her," Bracamonte said. "She just stopped working altogether."

The home gradually became more hostile, and Bracamonte was unable to fully pursue a new job with a multi-level marketing company.

The couple fired the nanny after she stopped working, but Stretton asserted her rights as a tenant and hasn't left. She has threatened to sue the couple for elder abuse, Bracamonte said.

Eviction papers filed against Stretton were denied. Bracamonte said the court documents were filled out by a paralegal. On Friday, the family hired attorney Marc Cohen, who said he plans to file a new round of eviction papers.

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Stretton left the family's home Thursday morning and has not yet returned, Bracamonte said. She did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment.

Stretton's name is on the state's list of vexatious litigants, a list of those who generally file frivolous court claims.